Will Ozempic alter spine, orthopedic fields?
By Admin | December 08, 2023
GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are rising in popularity and evidence suggests their possible effectiveness for helping patients lose weight.
The trend could alter projections for orthopedic surgery differently in the short and long term. A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found orthopedic surgeons will need to either double their total joint arthroplasty caseload or the number of surgeons will need to increase by 10% every five years to meet the growing demand for surgery.
GLP-1s could increase that number more quickly in the short term. Lisa Kloes, general manager and vice president of Stryker's knee business, told Medical Design & Outsourcing that weight loss drugs could make it possible for patients with BMI too high for surgery to lose weight. She told the publication GLP-1s could "help implant volumes."
Ravi Bashyal, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with NorthShore Orthopedics in Chicago, has seen that in his practice as well.
"I've seen more patients recently that are able to now have surgery because they've had additional help [losing weight]," said Dr. Bashyal during the 29th Annual ASC Meeting, Oct. 26-28 in Chicago. "Do I think there are any sort of medications that are going to cure arthritis and eliminate the need for joint replacement? I hope so, but...(More)
For more info please read, Will Ozempic alter spine, orthopedic fields?, By Becker's Spine Review
